FERPA

Drury University strictly observes FERPA, the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, which many people refer to as the Buckley Amendment.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education.

FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children's education records. Prior to the student’s 18th birthday or prior to enrollment in a college or university, the right to the privacy of the student’s records essentially belongs to the parents. When a student enters college, the right to privacy is transferred to the student, and the content of the educational records, which may include both academic records and disciplinary records, can be disclosed only with the student’s consent. However, if a student remains financially dependent upon the parent(s) and is claimed as dependent on the parent(s) federal and state tax returns, the parent has the right to inspect records as well.

All new students are provided with the formal opportunity to sign a written statement that allows them to designate the names of individuals to whom information may be released from college records. This release is operable for the time of the student’s enrollment or until such time as the student revokes access; confirming the willingness of the student to share the information even if the student’s dependent status changes.

Drury knows that parents, students and the university are involved as a team working toward completion of educational goals and students are always encouraged to grant their parents access to educational records. FERPA allowances are considered a family decision that should be made prior to the student’s arrival on campus. Drury families are strongly encouraged to discuss the concept of student privacy.

Parents or eligible students have the right to inspect and review the student's education records maintained by Drury University. Drury is not required to provide copies of records unless, for reasons such as great distance, it is impossible for parents or eligible students to review the records. A fee may be charged for copies.

Parents or eligible students have the right to request that Drury correct records that they believe to be inaccurate or misleading. If Drury decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student then has the right to a formal hearing with the Drury University Student Judicial Board. After the hearing, if Drury decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student has the right to place a statement with the record setting forth his or her view about the contested information.

Generally, Drury must have written permission from the parent or eligible student in order to release any information from a student's education record. However, FERPA allows Drury to disclose those records, without consent, to the following parties or under the following conditions:

School officials with legitimate educational interest;

Other schools to which a student is transferring;

Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes;

Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student;

Accrediting organizations or organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school;

To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena;

Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies; and

State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific state law.

Although Drury does not traditionally release student information to third parties, Drury may disclose, without consent, "directory" information such as a student's name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, honors and awards, and dates of attendance. Parents and students are allowed to request in writing from the Registrar’s office that the school not disclose directory information about them.

If you have any questions in regard to the confidentiality of educational records, please contact:

Tijuana JulianVice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students 417-873-7215tjulian@drury.edu

Drury University is required to notify parents and eligible students annually of their rights under FERPA. The means of notification is left to the discretion of Drury University. Drury University provides FERPA information as listed in this handbook and online at www.drury.edu/communitystandards.